Tommy Smith has had a memorable year after being one of the stars of New
Zealand’s unbeaten World Cup side in the summer. But the Ipswich Town
defender is experiencing mixed luck.

The 20-year-old has been withdrawn from his country’s squad for this week’s
friendlies against Honduras and Paraguay because of a recurring back injury
— a blow that contrasts starkly with his fortunes on Saturday, when he
scored the winning goal against Leeds United to lift his side back into the
play-off places.

Smith had been left out by Roy Keane, the manager, on Friday, only to be
recalled 30